20 Rarest Chicken Breeds for Egg and Meat Production

If you’re looking to raise chickens that offer both unique qualities and practical benefits, rare breeds can be an excellent choice. These chickens are not only valued for their distinct appearances, but they also provide high-quality eggs and meat. Many of these breeds come from specific regions with long histories, and while they may not be as common as commercial varieties, they bring something special to your flock. Whether you’re a backyard farmer or simply curious about rare poultry, these breeds offer a great balance of productivity and charm. Let’s explore some of the rarest chicken breeds perfect for both egg and meat production.

Sulmtaler

Originating in Austria, the Sulmtaler is prized for its exceptional meat quality and decent egg production. The breed is known for its fast growth, making it a favorite among those looking for dual-purpose chickens. Sulmtalers can lay about 150 to 180 eggs per year, which is relatively good for a rare breed. Prices for Sulmtaler chickens generally range between $25 to $40 per chick, depending on their bloodline and availability. Their mild temperament and golden-brown plumage add to their popularity among small-scale farmers.

Ixworth

Developed in England in the 1930s, the Ixworth was bred specifically for meat production but still lays a good number of eggs. These birds have white feathers and a compact, muscular body, making them excellent table birds. Ixworths can lay about 160 eggs per year. They are typically priced at around $20 to $35 per chick, although availability outside the UK may raise the cost. Their calm and friendly nature, along with their utility, make them an appealing addition to any flock.

La Flèche

Distinctive with its unique V-shaped comb, the La Flèche is an old French breed known for its gourmet-quality meat. La Flèche chickens produce around 150 eggs annually and grow slower than modern hybrids, but their meat is considered top-notch. These chickens can fetch anywhere from $20 to $50 per chick, particularly in regions where they are harder to come by. Their sleek black feathers and elegant appearance make them a rare sight, even in dedicated poultry collections.

Vorwerk

The Vorwerk chicken hails from Germany and is recognized for its vibrant golden plumage and egg-laying abilities. Vorwerks can lay 160-180 eggs annually while also producing high-quality meat. Their hardiness in cold climates and excellent foraging skills make them highly valued. Prices for Vorwerk chicks range between $25 and $40. Though common in Europe, Vorwerks are a rare find in North America, increasing their value among enthusiasts.

Barnevelder

Barnevelder chickens are known for their beautifully laced feathers and reliable egg production. They can lay around 180 to 200 dark brown eggs per year and provide tender, flavorful meat. With their calm, friendly nature, they adapt well to free-range or confined environments. Barnevelder chicks are typically priced between $20 and $35. Although they were once more common, certain varieties of Barnevelders are now considered rare and prized by poultry collectors.

Appenzeller Spitzhauben

The Appenzeller Spitzhauben, native to Switzerland, is a striking bird with a distinctive forward-curling crest. These birds lay around 150 to 180 eggs annually and are prized for their foraging abilities. Their smaller size makes them less ideal for large-scale meat production but their meat is still of high quality. Appenzeller Spitzhauben chicks are priced around $25 to $45, depending on their lineage and rarity in certain regions. Despite their beauty, they remain a rare breed globally.

Crèvecœur

The Crèvecœur is one of the oldest French breeds, known for its distinctive crest and black plumage. These chickens produce around 120 eggs per year and are highly prized for their delicate, tender meat. Prices for Crèvecœur chicks can vary widely, typically ranging between $30 and $60 due to their rarity and demand. Their calm temperament makes them ideal for smaller flocks, but their rarity puts them on many conservation watchlists.

Sumatra

The Sumatra is an elegant breed from Indonesia, best known for its iridescent black feathers and ornamental value. While they only lay 100 to 120 eggs per year, their meat is lean and flavorful with a gamey taste. Sumatra chicks are priced around $30 to $50 due to their rarity and striking appearance. Their active nature makes them suited for free-range environments where they can exhibit their natural foraging skills.

Marans

Famous for their dark brown eggs, Marans are a French breed known for both egg and meat production. They typically lay around 180 to 200 eggs annually and their meat is highly regarded for its tenderness and flavor. Marans chicks can be purchased for $15 to $35, depending on the specific variety, with rarer strains like the Black Copper Marans fetching higher prices. Despite their growing popularity, certain Marans varieties remain hard to find.

Nankin

The Nankin, one of the oldest true bantam breeds, is recognized for its bright golden feathers and excellent egg-laying capabilities. Though smaller in size, these birds can lay up to 160 eggs annually and offer flavorful meat despite their limited size. Nankin chicks generally cost between $20 and $40. Due to their rarity and historical significance, they are often sought after by poultry breeders and enthusiasts.

Orloff

Orloff chickens, originating from Russia, are known for their resilience in cold climates and dual-purpose use. These chickens lay about 150 eggs annually while also offering high-quality meat. Orloff chicks typically sell for $25 to $45, depending on the breeder and location. Their strong foraging instincts and robust build make them a good option for free-range systems, though they are relatively rare outside of Russia.

Legbar

The Cream Legbar is a British breed, famous for laying blue eggs and offering a mild, flavorful meat. They can produce around 180 to 200 eggs annually, making them highly productive for a rare breed. Cream Legbar chicks are priced at $30 to $50 due to their popularity and the demand for blue eggs. Their friendly disposition and excellent foraging skills make them a preferred choice for backyard flocks, though they remain uncommon.

Malay

Malay chickens, originally bred for cockfighting, are among the tallest breeds and are primarily valued for their meat quality. They lay around 100 eggs per year but are more prized for their lean, gamey meat. Malay chicks usually range from $30 to $60 due to their rarity and unique appearance. Their robust build and need for ample space make them better suited for larger free-range environments.

Bresse

Renowned for its gourmet-quality meat, the Bresse chicken is often considered the best-tasting chicken in the world. They can lay up to 200 eggs annually, making them a productive dual-purpose breed. Bresse chickens are typically priced between $40 and $100 per chick, depending on their lineage and availability outside of France. With their distinctive blue legs and white feathers, they are not only rare but also highly sought after for both their meat and eggs.

Campine

Campine chickens, originating from Belgium, are known for their golden or silver plumage and lean, flavorful meat. They lay around 150 eggs per year and thrive in free-range environments, making them excellent foragers. Campine chicks typically cost between $20 and $40, with their scarcity driving higher prices in some regions. Although they have many desirable traits, they remain a rare breed, especially outside of Belgium.

Faverolles

The Faverolles chicken, known for its fluffy appearance and calm demeanor, originates from France and is highly regarded for both egg and meat production. These birds lay around 180 eggs annually and provide tender, flavorful meat. Faverolles chicks usually range from $25 to $50, depending on the source and rarity in certain regions. Their feathered legs and beards make them a unique addition to any flock, though they remain rare globally.

Yokohama

Primarily ornamental, the Yokohama chicken also produces a small number of eggs and meat. These birds lay around 100 eggs per year and are known for their long tail feathers and elegant appearance. Yokohama chicks typically cost between $30 and $70, with their rarity and beauty driving the higher price range. While they require ample space to thrive, their striking look makes them a sought-after breed for poultry enthusiasts.

Catalana

The Catalana chicken is a hardy breed from Spain, known for its excellent egg production and flavorful meat. These birds can lay up to 200 eggs annually, making them highly productive for a dual-purpose breed. Catalana chicks are typically priced at $25 to $45, with their rarity contributing to their higher price in regions outside Spain. Their heat tolerance and robust build make them ideal for warm climates, though they remain uncommon in many areas.

Aseel

Aseel chickens, originating from India, are known for their muscular build and combative nature but also provide quality meat. These birds lay around 70 to 100 eggs per year and are prized for their lean, flavorful meat. Aseel chicks typically cost between $35 and $70, depending on their lineage and rarity. Their unique history and robustness make them a fascinating addition to heritage chicken collections, though they are becoming increasingly scarce.

English Game

Originally bred for cockfighting, the Old English Game chicken is now prized for both its meat and moderate egg production. These birds lay around 100 to 120 eggs per year and offer lean, flavorful meat. Old English Game chicks usually range between $20 and $45, with their historical significance driving demand among collectors. Their active and hardy nature makes them well-suited for free-range environments, though they are becoming increasingly rare.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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